Blog & Web Directory on India
    
Advertise    SI Web Directory    Home    About Us     Facebook    Twitter

Warner Bro. Testing Movie Rentals on Facebook

 Digital Media  5 Responses »
Mar 082011
 
Share

Movie studio Warner Bro. has embarked upon a movie rental and sale trial on the Facebook social networking site.

Here’s an excerpt from the AP:

Starting Tuesday, Facebook users who visit the official page of “Batman: The Dark Knight” can click a “watch” icon and pay 30 Facebook credits, or $3, to watch the movie. The movie is streamed through a Facebook application.

Renters have access to a movie for 48 hours and can replay it as many times as they like. Warner Bros. said it will add other movies in coming months but did not say what those would be.

Although the news took a bite out of Netflix’ share price today, we don’t think it’s a big deal until the other studios also offer their films on Facebook.

Netflix has no cause for worry. At least, not yet.

Share
 Posted by at 11:41 pm

Ross Taylor’s Historic 131 n.o. in NZ vs Pak Match; Strikes Terror in Terroristan Bowling

 Cricket  7 Responses »
Mar 082011
 
Share

Cricket history will long remember Ross Taylor’s splendid knock of 131 not out in the New Zealand vs Pakistan match at the ICC World Cup Cricket match at Kandy in Sri Lanka on March 8, 2011.

Folks, one for the record books.

Taylor’s magnificent knock changed the complexion of the game.

NZ won the toss and elected to bat. But we missed the NZ batting after a late night of bacchanalian revelry. ;)

Thanks to Willow TV’s Replay feature, we watched Ross Taylor’s magnificent knock that eventually propelled his team New Zealand to victory by setting a high target of 303 for Pakistan.

We started the Willow Replay with Ross Taylor on 57 (off 88 balls). NZ was on 159-4 after 38.3 overs. The NZ Run Rate was about 4.1. Ah, just in case you are curious Scott Styris was the other NZ batsman.

Here’s how the last 11 overs went.

* 40th over – NZ 163-4. Taylor 60 (94 balls), Styris 20 (29 balls)

* 41st over – Paki captain Shahid Alfridi bowling. Nice boundary by Styris in the over. NZ 173-4 Run rate 4.22 Taylor 63 (97); Styris 27 (32)

* 42nd over – Umar Gul bowling. Gets a breakthrough. Scott Styris lbw for 28 (off 37 balls) in the last ball of the over. NZ 175-5. Does not look good for NZ. Run rate 4.17

* 43rd over – Nathan McCullum is new NZ batsman in. Shahid Alfridi bowling. 5 Runs come in the over NZ 180-5. Taylor @ 67 (off 102 balls); new batsman Nathan McCullum 1 (2)

* 44th over – Umar Gul bowling. Concedes 8 runs in over. Taylor 68; McCullum 5; NZ 188-5

* 45th over – Shahid Alfridi bowling his final over.

And the Carnage STARTS.

Two magnificent Sixers in the over. One by McCullum and then Taylor repeats the feat in the last ball. NZ now 202-5. Run Rate climbs to 4.49. Good.

* 46th over – Umar Gul. A wonderful Sixer by Nathan McCullum over square leg in the 4th ball of the over. And then, what a shame, he’s clean bowled in the 5th ball. Jacob Oram is new batsman in. Survives lbw appeal in last ball of over. NZ ends the over @ 210-6. Run rate – 4.57

* 47th over – Shoaib Akhtar is the bowler. His 9th over. Shoaib has got 1 wicket so far in this match for 42 Runs.

Taylor in a fury

Hammers Shoaib for three Sixers and two boundaries. Very expensive over for Pakistan. 28 runs conceded (including two wides). Can Shoaib live down this shame? No ;) NZ 238-6. Run Rate 5.06 Taylor reaches century milestone with a magnificent six over midwicket in the last ball of the over. Taylor 102 (off 117 balls)

* 48th over -  Abdur Rehman. NZ batsmen continue rampage. 15 Runs conceded highlighted by magnificent Six by Jacob Oram . NZ 253-6. Ru Rate climbs to 5.27

* 49th over – Abdul Razzak comes in to bowl. Taylor at the striker’s end.

Shame; Ross Taylor Buggers Abdul Razzak

Taylor inflicts immense pain on Razzak in this over with three Sixers, two Boundaries and a 2. :)

1st ball – Boundary
2nd ball – Six over midwicket
3rd ball – Wide
3rd ball – Six
4th ball – Wide
4th ball – 2
5th ball – Boundary
6th ball – Six

All by Taylor. What a glorious innings.

Taylor made Abdul Razzak look like a chutiya bachcha. ;)

Including the two wides, another extremely expensive over costing 30 runs!

NZ 283-6 Run Rate 5.78 Taylor 131 (124 balls); Oram 13 (6 balls)

The last five overs have cost Pak 95 runs.

* 50th over – Abdur Rehman comes into bowl final over for Pakistan oops Terroristan. Oram opens the over with two splendid Sixers. ;)

Alas, he’s out in the third ball c Umar Gul. Good knock of 25 (in 9 balls) NZ 299-7.

Kyle Mills comes in and starts off with a fine boundary. And with the addition of 3 more runs, New Zealand closes with a very respectable 302-7

The last 5 overs cost Pakistan 100 Runs. ;)

Folks, we’ve watched a lot of matches but Taylor’s punishment of the Bowlers was a sweet treat to us. Apparently, it is Taylor’s birthday today. what a fine gift he gave himself.

Related Stories:
Terroristan Chasing Big Score Against NZ; Pakis Lose

Share
 Posted by at 9:24 pm  Tagged with:

What’s the Big Deal about Five Guys?

 Food  20 Responses »
Mar 082011
 
Share

A short while ago, one of our U.S. readers posted a comment about visiting Five Guys (the burger joint) last week and how the burger there was excellent.

That sent us down memory lane because a few month back we’d visited one of the Five Guys stores in our area.

Our visit was after Zagat rated Five Guys the #1 Burger last year.

Plus, there was all that hoopla about President Obama’s visit to a Five Guys store in Washington DC.

We were curious to see what the big fuss was all about.

No Big Deal
Five Guys was the usual, crappy fast-food place.

The free peanuts were kept near the trash-can.

And the Five Guys employee serving us had the standard I-don’t-give-f*ck attitude that fast food outlet employees usually sport.

We ordered the Hamburger (with Mayo, Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Green Pepper and Mustard), Cajun Fries and a drink.

The Hamburger was $4.99, the Cajun Fries $2.39 and the drink $1.99.

It took about 7 minutes for our order to get ready. While waiting, we got some free peanuts (remember, they’re near the trash-can) in a paper container.

We don’t recollect being particularly enthused about the burger.

Not particularly juicy or memorable in any sort of way.

Or maybe, we’ve not had enough hamburgers to appreciate a good one when we see one.

The Cajun Fries were no big deal either.

The boardwalk fries with Cajun seasoning at our neighborhood Pizza joint Polisano’s are better.

The Polisano fries and, hell, even the Mac fries, taste far superior.

We remember having a nauseating feeling as we were returning home, perhaps because we gorged on the free peanuts. ;)

All in all, we wouldn’t recommend Five Guys to anyone.

But then we wouldn’t recommend any non-Indian food place to our readers (except, maybe Maoz).

With their infinite choices, varied cuisines (North Indian, South Indian, Punjabi, Gujarati, Andhra, Bengali), yummilecious spicy delights and a million kinds of sweets, Indian food ranks far ahead of any other.

Who gives a rat’s ass about Five Guys or Wendy’s or Burger King or Taco Bell!

Smart Indians
By the way, are Indians really into Hamburgers or any other fast-food stuff such as Chicken Sandwich and the like.

We don’t think so.

On the few occasions we’ve been to Mac, Burger King, Taco Bell, Five Guys, Hardees and KFC, we’ve almost never seen Indians.

Smart fellas. these Indians. Who wants to eat that fast-food shit.

The only Indians we see in fast-food outlets here are the Gujjus working behind the counter at Dunkin Donuts and making that bad hideously awful coffee . ;)

Share
 Posted by at 6:14 pm  Tagged with:

Useless Statistics of the Day – Beer in America

 Liquor  No Responses »
Mar 082011
 
Share

* America’s Beer industry offers 13,000 labels to consumers. Over the years, we’ve probably tried no more than 25-30 different labels.

* America’s Beer industry generates 1.8 million jobs. Maybe, if we all start drinking more Beer the unemployment rate would come crashing down. Come on guys, time to roll up our sleeves and, ahem, start quaffing. Arrogant Bastard, here we come. ;)

* America’s Beer industry (brewers, beer importers, beer distributors, brewer suppliers and retailers) contribute directly and indirectly $223.8 billion each year to the U.S. economy. Is Beer the answer to America’s deficit problem, debt problem and all problems?

Source: Beer Institute

Share
 Posted by at 2:15 pm  Tagged with:

House of India Columbia (MD) – A Sin Not to Eat Here

 Food  No Responses »
Mar 082011
 
Share

We won’t stand any of you schmucks referring to House of India on Snowden River Pkwy in Columbia, MD as a mere Indian restaurant.

No, folks. Most definitely, no.

Au contraire, House of India is a shrine to India cuisine.

A temple so beautiful that we swooned under the spell of its delicious offerings.

At a time when most Indian restaurants in the U.S. serve trashy food unworthy of being flung at mongrels, we give thanks to God for House of India.

Were JFK alive today, the lecherous prick would have in all likelihood exhorted y’all thus:

Ask not what you can eat at House of India. Ask how much you can eat at House of India. ;)

Chicken Biryani, Dal & Tandoori Chicken

From the nonpareil Tandoori Chicken to the creamy Mutter Paneer to the sui generis Chicken Tikka Masala, House of India’s offerings are a treat not merely for the taste buds but for all your senses.

Rarely have we encountered such an embarras de richesse in Indian food. And that too, all at one place.

Even the humble Yellow Dal with its tomato and cilantro seasoning turned out to be a delight here. What a surprise since Dal invariably gets short shrift at 99% of Indian restaurants here

Were the Gods smiling on us? Perhaps!

Chutneys, Chicken Tikka Masala,
Pakora & Chicken Kabab

If we were asked to pick our favorites among the several fine items, we’d unhesitatingly point to the creamy Mutter Paneer, the succulent Tandoori Chicken, flavorful Goat Curry and the out of this world Chicken Tikka Masala.

Forget mortals. Each of them was a dish fit for the Gods.

Chicken Tikka Masala is often an Orangish nightmare at other places. Not so here.

Pour a few spoons of the Chicken Tikka Masala with its nice thick gravy on a heap of rice, and if you don’t immediately get on a mighty high after the first fork-full then something is wrong with you. Seriously wrong.

With a slightly smoky aroma, Tandoori Chicken was a well-marinated treat while Goat Curry with its nice smell and nicer taste in a slightly oily gravy kept us in a joyous mood.

Channa Masala, Mutter Paneer, Alu Gobi, Dal

On the vegetarian side, it was the Mutter Paneer that captured our imagination. A rich creamy delight, it was an extravaganza without parallel. Never have we had such a fine Mutter Paneer. We tried it with Naan bread and, well, bliss was it in that “dawn to be alive.”

Channa Masala gave no cause for complaint. Palak and Alu Gobi dishes could definitely have used more chillies but still the chef had weaved his magic into these items as well.

One of the few disappointments of our meal, but not a big letdown, was the Chicken Biryani. Compared to the other dishes, it was merely alright and lacked the strong, powerful flavor and aroma that this popular Indian dish comes with.

Goat Curry, Naan Bread, Mutter Paneer

The interesting thing about House of India was that none of the items were what we’d call very spicy but still extremely flavorful. That’s a hard trick to accomplish.

One reason, House of India was perhaps being careful with the heat was because it attracts a lot of non-Indian diners. During our visit, the majority of patrons were non-Indians with their effete, pussified palates.

Seventh Heaven at House of India

With food so good, is it any surprise that by now we were etre au septième ciel.

House of India’s delicious fare is obviously a testament to the high quality of its kitchen staff.

By the way, how much ever you eat at House of India just be sure to leave enough room for desserts.

Rice Kheer, Rasmalai, Gulab Jamun
(with Mutter Paneer)

Fine Desserts

We ended our meal with three popular Indian desserts – Gulab Jamun, Rasmalai and Rice Kheer.

In a hot sugar syrup, the soft Gulab Jamun was divine. Rasmalai in a milk solution and Rice Kheer were not heavenly but good enough for mortals like yours truly. Kheer was slightly short of sugar but still flavorful.

House of India Service – Mixed Bag

While some aspects of the service found favor with us, others irritated us.

The tall fair waiter did not get us extra napkins despite our asking for them and waiting for five minutes. Chutiya, you don’t deserve the job there. The short dark desi guy and the Hispanic waitress made up for it with their polite and pleasing attitude.

Also, one of the dining plates had a couple of black spots.

For all those passionate about Indian food and living in a 60-mile radius of Columbia (MD), not to dine at House of India would be a cardinal sin.

At $11.95 (week days), the lunch buffet is superb value for money.

Your favorite blog SearchIndia.com strongly recommends House of India.

Related Content
Royal Taj Columbia MD Review – Not for a Maharaja but Good Enough for Commoners

Share
 Posted by at 1:56 pm  Tagged with: ,

McDonald’s Shamrock Shake – Yummy

 Food  1 Response »
Mar 082011
 
Share

Ever since we got a flyer in the mail advertising McDonald’s new Shamrock McCafe Shake, we’ve been keen on trying it.

Yes, we know, we know. Normal humans don’t eat at McDonald’s. Only weirdos, idiots or the poor eat there.

Don’t y’all start screaming at us, now.

But the picture of the green shake looked so attractive to yours truly. We had to try it.

So finally we made the time to head to the newly renovated Mac in our neighborhood the other day.

My, my what a crowd at McDonald’s around 6PM EST. America does have lots of weirdos and poor souls. ;)

We quickly ordered a medium-sized Shamrock Shake, a large fries and some oatmeal cookies (3 for a buck).

Decent Taste
The Shamrock Shake is in a light-green shade and comes with cream on top and the obligatory cherry.

We popped our straw into the glass and sucked hard.

Voila, that’s a nice taste.

Thick but not as thick as a chick-fil-A shake, the Shamrock Shake has a key lime pie-ish taste plus the strong flavor of mint. Continue reading »

Share
 Posted by at 1:34 pm  Tagged with:

Terroristan Chasing Big Score Against NZ; Pakis Lose

 Cricket  4 Responses »
Mar 082011
 
Share

Terroristan aka Pakistan is chasing a big score in their match against New Zealand in Pallekele Stadium in Kandy (Sri Lanka).

Batting first after winning the toss, the New Zealand boys scored a good 302-7 thanks to a superb 131 not out by Ross Taylor.

Pakistan aka Terroristan Batting Now

Final Score

New Zealand – 302-7

Pakistan aka Terroristan – 192-10

11:41AM EST – Ross Taylor wins Man of Match award for a splendid 131 Not Out. Bravo, Ross. :)

11:37AM EST – SI Happy. Beri Beri Happy over Terroristan’s Defeat. ;)

11:32AM EST – Pakistan Terroristan FINISHED. New  Zealand wins by 110 Runs. Shoaib Akhtar c Nathan McCullum b Scott Styris Pak 192-10

11:30AM EST – Shoaib Akhtar new Pak batsman in

11:28AM EST – SI Feeling Good. SI Feeling Good. ;)

11:27AM – GONE. Abdul Razzak Gone c Oram b Styris.  191-9 in 42nd over :) :)

11:26AM EST – NZ, We need a Wicket, NOW.  Please. Pak 191-8 after 41 overs

11:22AM EST – Getting Worried; Pakistan 187-8 after 40 overs. A few sixers and the match can go the Pakistan way.

11:18AM EST – Pak 183-8 after 39 overs. Eight runs in last over. :(

11:15AM EST -Another expensive over. 10 Runs conceded in the over. :(   Pak – 175-8

11:10AM EST – Pak 165-8 @ end of 37th over. VERY Expensive over by Kyle Mills. Concedes 17 runs. :(

11:05AM EST – Hey, NZ  get the rest of the Terroristan fellas out quickly. Pak 148-8 after 36 overs.

11:01AM EST – Pak 142-8 after 35 overs.  At this stage NZ were 141-4. Pak needs 303 to win.

10:56AM EST – Pak 132-8 @ end of 34 overs. Gone Baby, Gone. Pak has no hope. Asking Run Rate climbs to more than 10

10:51AM EST – Aye, SI Feeling Good. :)

10:50AM EST – Terroristan Murdabad!

10:48AM EST - YAAAHOOO Another Pak wicket down! Abdur Rehman lbw Nathan McCullum. Terroristan 125-8. Umar Gul new batsman in.

10:46AM EST – Pakistan 124-7 after 32 overs. Nine runs in the previous over. :(

10:44AM EST – Two boundaries by Abdul Razzak off Styris. :(

10:42AM EST – Lot of Dew on ground

10:38AM EST – Pakistan 115-7 @ end of 31 overs. Give it up, boys. You have no hope. ;)

10:35AM EST – Pakistan staring at DEFEAT. 108-7 after 30 overs. Asking Run Rate 9.7 IMPOSSIBLE

10:34AM EST – Pakistan Run Rate required – 9.56. Very Hard

10:32AM EST – SI Feeling Good over Pakistan’s plight 106-7  after 29 overs :)

10:30AM EST – Abdur Rehman new batsman in

10:28AM EST – YIPPEE – Another Pakistan Terroristan Wicket Falls. Ummar Akmal (38) out c Oram b Nathan McCullum. Pak 102-7

10:27AM EST – Asking Rate – 9.14 per over. Hard.

10:26AM EST – Good over by Styris. Just 1 run conceded Pak 102-6 @ end of 28th over

10:23AM EST – Scott Styris right-arm medium pace bowler brought in by NZ

10:22AM EST – Pak 101-6 after 27 overs. Abdul Razzak survives Run-out appeal

10:20AM EST – Terroristan finally reach 100. 27th over in progress

10:08AM EST – 92-6 after 24 overs

10:05AM EST – Pak 87-6 after 23 overs. Ummar Akmal on 25; Abdul Razzaq on 9

10:03AM EST – Wouldn’t it be nice to dismiss Pak for less than 100? ;)

10:00AM EST – Another wicket would be nice. ;) Pak 83-6 @ end of 22 overs.

9:56AM EST – Terroristan aka Pakistan 79-6 after 21 overs

9:48AM EST – Pakistan Reeling 73-6 after 19 overs. Keep up the pressure, NZ.

9:44AM EST – We’re feeling good. :) Pakistan 70-6 after 18 overs. Run Rate 3.88

9:40AM EST – Abdul Razzak is new batsman.

9:40AM EST – Guys, We can’t contain our excitement. ;)

9:39AM – Alahh o Akbar. Pak captain Shahid Afridi gone b Jacob Oram 66-6 .  Great Job, NZ. :)

9:38AM EST -Another expensive over. 9 runs coming off 17th over. Pak 66-5

9:36AM EST – Shahid Afridi lofts James Franklin for a SIX, Pak 63-5

9:33AM EST – Expensive over by Oram. 11 runs conceded Pak 57-5 after 16 overs

9:32AM EST – Another boundary by Afridi :(

9:31AM EST – Nice boundary by Afridi

9:28AM EST -Terroristan aka Pakistan 46-5 after 15 overs. :)

9:27AM EST – Pak captain Shahid Afridi walks in.

9:26AM EST – Keep it up, New Zealand. Crush these Terroristan lads. You have the Best Wishes of ALL Indians in your endeavor.

9:25AM EST – WONDERFUL. Misbah out c Styris b Tim Southee. Terroristan 45-5

9:21AM EST – NZ, we need more wickets. Pak 45-4 after 14 overs.

9:17AM EST – Ah, that stupid Pak ‘Biryani’ Matrimony ad again. Pitiful

9:06AM EST – NZ needs another wicket to keep up the pressure before Misbah and Umar Akmal dig in. Pakistan 35-4 after 11 overs.

9:04AM EST – Terroristan 30-4 after 10 overs.

8:56AM EST -NZ MUST keep up pressure. Terroristan 27-4 after 8 overs.

8:51AM EST -  God Exists. Another Pak wicket falls! Kamran c Taylor b Southee. Terroristan 23-4. Umar Akmal is new batsman.

8:45AM EST – Yipee. Younus Khan b Kyle Mills. Terroristan 23-3 Misbah-ul-Haq is new batsman.

8:44AM EST – Allah o Akbar! Ahmed Shezad LBW Kyle Mills 10.  Pakistan 23-2 Younus Khan is new batsman in

8:29AM EST – Terroristan 13-1

8:21AM EST – Hooray; Pak loses first wicket. Mohammed Hafeez lbw Tim Southee. Pak 5-1

Share
 Posted by at 8:30 am  Tagged with:
© 2012 SearchIndia.com   Privacy Policy Suffusion theme by Sayontan Sinha